Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Some Desonide products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 2 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Sep 9, 2026.
A mild topical corticosteroid used to relieve skin inflammation and itching.
Products affected
1 / 2
In shortage since
Feb 5, 2024
Est. full return
Sep 9, 2026
Reports on file
20
Talk to a pharmacist
Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
Independent services, not affiliated with rxstat; referral fees may apply. Free options exist depending on your province. In an emergency call 911; free health advice at 811.
Shortage history
Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).
Reports by product
The DIN is printed on your prescription label.
Active shortage
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · OINTMENT · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229323 · since Feb 5, 2024, est. end Sep 9, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · CREAM · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229315 · ended Dec 6, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · CREAM · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229315 · ended Jul 15, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · OINTMENT · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229323 · ended Nov 10, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · OINTMENT · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229323 · ended Aug 1, 2020 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · CREAM · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229315 · ended Dec 17, 2019 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · OINTMENT · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229323 · ended Dec 17, 2019 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · CREAM · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229315 · ended Oct 1, 2019 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · CREAM · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229315 · ended Oct 1, 2019 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · CREAM · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229315 · ended Aug 5, 2019 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · CREAM · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229315 · ended Jul 10, 2019 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PDP-DESONIDE
0.05% · CREAM · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229315 · ended May 3, 2019 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 20 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Desonide is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC.
The reported cause is: disruption of the manufacture of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.
If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.
Desonide is classified under “CORTICOSTEROIDS, PLAIN” (ATC D07AB).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Desonide used for?
A mild topical corticosteroid used to relieve skin inflammation and itching.
When will Desonide be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Sep 9, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Desonide in shortage?
See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.
What can my pharmacist do about it?
Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.
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Drugs in the same therapeutic class, best-supplied first. These are not automatic substitutes: only your pharmacist or prescriber can judge whether a switch makes sense for you.
Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.